'Karmic fissure': Dragas, Sullivan enjoy healing ceremony

Dragas and Sullivan began the healing process with a walk to the Rotunda.

Ophelia Lenz

In a continuing effort to promote a spirit of unity and reconciliation, UVA rector Helen Dragas and UVA President Teresa Sullivan attended a cleansing ceremony at the nearby Yogaville ashram. The ritual was performed by spiritual leader Sri Swami Satchidananda, which was also available for viewing online, for free. The ceremony was facilitated by UVA alum Paul Tudor Jones and his wife Sonia, ashtanga yoga devotees who have known the Swami since inviting him to bless their yacht, The Strategic Lady, in 2006.

"Recently, Teresa and Helen have committed themselves to yogic practice and study," said Jones. "Fortunately, the karmic fissure at UVA opened their eyes to the healing powers of the LOTUS, and Sonia and I are overjoyed."

Former chair of the Darden School Foundation Board, Peter Kiernan, attended the ceremony as well, dressed in what appeared to be pajamas, but was seen chanting to himself in the corner, saying "reply, reply, reply."

UVA's COO Michael Strine was there as well, dressed in a chauffeur's outfit and carrying Sullivan's bags.

Kneeling before the Swami, Dragas and Sullivan held hands as traditional markings were painted on their foreheads and cheeks. Parts of their hair were also braided together, and the Swami circled the two woman repeating some kind of gibberish until the two women began to wail mournfully.

Afterwards, Dragas appeared as resolute and confusing as ever.

"President Sullivan took the painted child and furthered the strategic weavery into a blessing of bold and incremental sweavery," said Dragas, then blurted out "Freakin' Kington!!"

"Huh?" a reporter asked.

Sullivan embraced Dragas as she wept and went into a long, articulate explanation of what was going on that no one seemed to quite understand, then hoisted Dragas into her arms and ordered Strine to follow. Paul Tudor Jones and his wife Sonia disappeared through the roof of the ashram wearing jet packs.

Later, former COO Leonard Sandridge appeared from behind a curtain, with a silent and smiling John Casteen carrying a footstool beside him, and nodded to the Swami, who took his hand and knelt before him.

"Get the heck out of here, Kiernan," Sandridge shouted.

~The Rutabaga is an occasional humor column in the Hook. It is satire, not news. –editor

We all needed a bit of offbeat humor on this entire situation as - rightfully pointed out - could have never been made up. Thanks! It reall is fuuuu-nnnneeee!

voltron callahan July 18th, 2012 | 9:23pm

yeah glo, the Hook has never had an original idea... just like the concept of the Hook

wondering July 18th, 2012 | 10:55pm

Funny stuff!

That said, when President Sullivan appears 20 pounds thinner come August, and the UVA Yoga/Contemplative church is in full swing, will a conflict between church and state exist?

According to "Lighthouse State Research Institute":

"There is no Christian Yoga."

The following article is written by Yogi Baba Prem, who is a Hindu Yogi, a Vedavisharada trained in the traditional gurukural system. We hope that Thomas Nelson, who publishes Yoga for Christians, and emerging leader, Doug Pagitt, who offers it at his church, will all read this article by Yogi Baba Prem.
"There is no Christian Yoga?" by Yogi Baba Prem
"It was quite astonishing to see on the flyer 'Christian Yoga! This Thursday night....' I could feel the wheels spinning in my brain. 'Christian Yoga,' I thought. Now while Christians can practice yoga, I am not aware of any Christian teachings about yoga. Yoga is not a Judeo/Christian word! It is not a part of the Roman Catholic teachings and certainly not a part of protestant teachings. It is not found within the King James Version of the bible. It is a Hindu word, or more correctly a Sanskrit word from the Vedic civilization. So how did we get 'Christian Yoga'? "From this I could conclude that 'Christian Yoga' could only indicate one of two possibilities:"

Wikipedia:
"Hinduism is the predominant religion[3][4] of the Indian subcontinent, and one of its indigenous religions. Hinduism includes Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Śrauta among numerous other traditions. It also includes historical groups, for example the Kapalikas. Among other practices and philosophies, Hinduism includes a wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of "daily morality" based on the notion of karma, dharma, and societal norms.[5] Hinduism is a conglomeration of distinct intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid common set of beliefs.[6]"

Does anyone know the definition of conflict of interest? Where does church and state begin? Where does it end? UVA is a public institution right?

Or is this just another shade of "grey" at UVA?

Michael Z July 19th, 2012 | 12:55am

When are people going to stand up and demand Dragas leave?

Margot July 19th, 2012 | 1:47am

Hahahahahaha! Dragas needs to roll up her yoga mat and leave the building asap. And she won't be alone.

@Michael Z
"When are people going to stand up and demand Dragas leave?"

Hopefully, one day, with continued investigative help, our students, faculty, staff, honest key administrators (if any), alumni and the University community, will get to the core of the BOV ouster of Sullivan and then sudden reversal. The BOV behaviors stink and the odor continues to linger and as long as Dragas is on the BOV, the stench penetrates our Rotunda and the University grounds.
Accountability and transparency are KEY to UVA’s future success and NOT ONE DIME of my hard earned money will go to UVA until they get their house in order.

Regarding Rotunda roof:

Oh, and by the way, rumor has it that the roof of the Rotunda will be replaced soon. Perhaps the University needs to delay that project until the stench moves further southeast and follows the “dragon lady” to Virginia Beach.

jimi hendrix July 19th, 2012 | 3:05pm

It is Cvile. No wonder many can be seen to believe the story....

Angel Eyes July 19th, 2012 | 3:44pm

Bring on the story about their respective collections of Voodoo Dolls..

NancyDrew July 19th, 2012 | 4:28pm

Thanks for the laughs Dave. On a more serious note - let's all do our part to make sure Dragas is not reappointed in January. No matter how many holy rites are performed there is no escaping the evidence that Helen Dragas created a PR disaster for UVa, and should be held responsible by being fired.

Isn't that what private businesses do when their leaders fail them ?

" RICHMOND, Va. — The firing and subsequent rehiring two weeks later of University of Virginia president Teresa Sullivan was a public relations debacle for the head of the school’s governing board who orchestrated the failed ouster, according to a new statewide poll released Wednesday."

I was present the night she tried to sneak out the back door of the Rotunda after trying to get the full board to support her ouster of Sullivan , and it was a complete fiasco. Mark Kington resigned the next day and she would have helped her beloved University if she had done the same.

I can see the scene that occurred that night played out again and again every time she comes to campus. Siva Vaidhyanathan, professor of media studies said on the Coy Barefoot show tonight that there would likely be booing from students and parents if she is present at the UVa graduation.

With the level of distrust that exists, no matter how many joint statements and letters she gets Sullivan to sign onto, I think this is a dysfunctional situation until she is gone.

Watch this - her walk of shame, the night of her first attempt to get the full board to oust Sullivan.

The University released the following emails regarding the selection of its eighth president July 13 at the request of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The emails include a message from Gordon Rainey, an alumni representative on the Search Committee and the director of the Capital Campaign, summarizing an interview with an individual who suggested “if we do not find Mr. or Mrs. Perfect…hire someone for the interim (4-6 years) to be a change agent with a view to picking someone after that to serve for 10-15 years.”

Batch of emails

University Records Officer Caroline Walters made the following notations regarding legal exemptions from the released documents:

“Please note that one document was removed as entirely exempt (this removal is specifically noted on the email to which that document was attached.) All other documents actually attached to this set of emails were reviewed and they have been provided to you, in several cases with personal identifying information minimally redacted. However, you will likely note that all of the emails have a footer suggesting that an “attachment” was present. I wanted to let you know that the “attachment” footer in most cases is an artifact of the conversion of these records to the electronic system we are using for review of these FOIA requests. Therefore please do not be surprised at the relatively small number of attachments you will actually see here.”

I’m a simple person with a simple mind. No high dollar words here. Some things I think I know but there’s so much I honestly DON’T know and with that in mind, I need some help in understanding how one basic set of rules can apply to one University group and not the other group representing the University.

UVA students are required to sign the Honor Code Pledge and for those of us who have not read it lately, here’s the web site:

A couple of paragraphs are of particular interest to me:
“Today students at the University make a commitment not to lie, cheat, or steal within Charlottesville, Albemarle County, or where they represent themselves as University students in order to gain the trust of others. Because of this commitment, there's a strong degree of trust among the various members of the University community. Students are also expected to conduct themselves with integrity and are presumed honorable until proven otherwise.”

“U.Va. Students benefit from the freedom and security provided by the Honor System; every student must agree to live by and support the spirit of honor. Applicants who are not prepared to embrace this freedom and accept this responsibility should not apply for admission.”

Questions:
1. As representatives of our University, does the BOV sign a similar pledge? If so, where do I view a copy?
2. Did each member of the previous BOV sign such a pledge or was a signed check, made out to the Governor, the only pledge required?

My apologies if this doesn’t make much sense, but the whole darn event has not made sense since the attempt to ouster President Sullivan.

don faulkner July 19th, 2012 | 9:44pm

Taking into account the diminishing integrity of the leadership in high places of our country witness the 2008 economic debacle, the state of our government "of, for, by monied interests"; and most recently and close-by the covert, dishonest actions of BOV Rector Helen Dragas and her cohorts in direct violation of all the Founding Principles of The University of Virginia's Honor Code...should not the Honor System and Code be expanded to include actions of the BOV, Faculty, as well as students not only when attending and in the vicinity of UVA but a pledge to those principles of honor wherever, whenever for their lifetimes ?

reader2 July 19th, 2012 | 9:56pm

it is about the educational dollar. funding went from state (90%) and student (10%) to the opposite. students cannot afford college so if parents cannot pay, student loans are available. several "Charlie Rose" interviews have focused on e-education; from the founder of Netscape, Twitter, Udacity. Their money is on "online" education. The college dollars are easily available to students, risk free through Federal Student Loans that are guaranteed for life. Most online universities have a funding department bigger that UVA' Darden School and humanities combined. Until UVA wants to look at the dollars, there is no 'cents' in discussing this mess. Check out CSPAN today, Senate hearing regarding college costs. 7/19/2012. Not many facts but congress seems buffaloed. wow

reader2 July 19th, 2012 | 10:12pm

Who is Carol A. Twigg, PhD? She studied at William and Mary...

What is the National Center for Academic Transformation?

What are Carol's political aspirations?

What are Carol's real estate connections, Jackson family?

She may have run for political office but I couldn't verify...Buffalo, NY?

reader1 July 19th, 2012 | 10:43pm

UVA, Politics is all about who Dragas new. Dragas should resign!

OFF point: Why are the lawmakers exempt from Insider Trading. Today on CNN, a reported busted Eric Candor, from Virginia from allowing the "STOCK ACT" to pass. Because Candor changed the intent of the act and excluded spouses and family.

Washington (CNN) -- It was a rare show of bipartisanship -- President Barack Obama, flanked by Democrats and Republicans in April, signing into law a bill that would ban insider trading on Capitol Hill. The measure, known as the STOCK Act, had passed the House and Senate at warp speed.

"The powerful shouldn't get to create one set of rules for themselves and another set of rules for everybody else," the president said at the time.

Lawmakers proclaimed that the bill, officially called the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, would restore trust in government. It also applied new rules to some employees of the executive branch.

GSA: $250K spent on one-day event

But CNN uncovered that the law that members of Congress thought they voted for earlier this year isn't exactly as advertised. A loophole could still allow family members of some lawmakers to profit from inside information.

The STOCK Act requires that any trades of $1,000 or more made on or after July 3 have to be reported to the House and Senate within 45 days. But the House and Senate have two completely different interpretations of that rule.

In the Senate, the Ethics Committee released one page of guidelines last month ruling that members and their spouses and dependent children all have to file reports after they make stock or securities trades. But the House Ethics Committee disagreed.

Its 14-page memo notifies House members and aides covered by the law that their spouses and children aren't covered. The Office of Government Ethics, which oversees all federal executive branch employees, sided with the House, informing its employees that their spouses and children don't need to file these periodic reports.

Both of the lead sponsors of the Senate bill didn't realize the discrepancy until CNN brought it to their attention.
Congress must act to solve deficit
Congress ignoring its responsibilities?

Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown, the only Republican senator to attend the White House signing ceremony, said he was "obviously very concerned."

"Say I find out some information, I tell my wife and she goes and trades on it, what's the difference?" Brown told CNN.

Brown, who speaks constantly about this bill in his neck-and-neck race for re-election against consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren, said the whole point of passing the law was to demonstrate that members of Congress weren't held to a different standard.

"I mean, bottom line, we're supposed to have that level of transparency and have us be treated like every other member of the United States and bottom line, if we can't do it, then -- sorry, if they can't do it -- then we shouldn't be able to do it as well."

Why won't Romney release more tax documents?

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, also criticized the House decision not to include congressional spouses and children.

"I think it's wrong, and I think it's unfortunate because the reality is the whole point of this legislation is we should play by the exact same rules as every other American citizen, and when all of America looks at Washington, they know it's broken."

"We're trying to restore just a small measure of confidence through this kind of transparency and accountability," Gillibrand said.

After CNN told Brown about the House interpretation, Brown fired off a letter to his GOP colleagues in the House, Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.

"The House interpretation leaves a loophole and the appearance of an ongoing double standard," Brown said in the letter.

"It is deeply troubling that the House of Representatives and Executive Branch would attempt to operate under a substantially weaker interpretation than the Senate," he added, demanding that the House adopt the Senate's view and require all spouses and dependents to begin reporting stock trades.

Chances for an Anthony Weiner comeback

Why the difference?

Robert Walker, a Washington ethics attorney and former chief counsel for both the House and Senate Ethics Committees, explained that the Senate bill did include a provision that covered spouses and children, but when Cantor's office wrote the House version, this language was shifted to a different section of the bill. The change meant that spouses and dependent children weren't subject to the new reporting requirements.

"The House recrafted some of the provisions of it and moved some of the provisions around. In that process, some of the Senate bill that applied to filing of these new reports was moved from one section of the bill to the other," Walker said.

The Senate Ethics Committee decided to stick with the spirit of the law that senators originally intended, but the House Ethics Committee went with the letter of the law, which included the loophole not requiring spouses and children to report financial transactions in a timely fashion.

GOP senators block Obama job initiative

Why does it matter?

This so-called "loophole" goes to the heart of what the STOCK Act set out to do.

While there were already laws in place barring members of Congress or the executive branch from profiting from nonpublic information that they learn in the course of their duties, it was extremely difficult for those at the Securities and Exchange Commission to enforce those laws.

The financial disclosure forms House members and senators were already required to file only come out once a year, making it tough to track any relationship between legislative action and a stock trade. That's why the STOCK Act added the rule that after each trade over $1,000 a report had to be filed in a timely manner.

Walker stressed the new law provides "more immediacy, more real time so that the public could have more real-time understanding of what their members, of their senior staff and other high government officials were doing with their finances, what kinds of trades were they making."

The chairman of the House Ethics Committee, Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Alabama, and the ranking Democrat, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez of California, defended their committee's interpretation of the law in a written statement to CNN.

"As has been noted by outside experts, the office of Government Ethics and various House offices of expertise, including the Office of Legislative Counsel and the Office of General Counsel, with whom the Committee consulted, the plain language of the STOCK Act and the Ethics in Government Act is unambiguous and beyond dispute and the Committee interpreted it correctly."

Congressional dysfunction: Who's to blame?

Initially when contacted by CNN, Cantor's office insisted it did nothing to change the intent of the STOCK Act. But when pressed with the new information uncovered by CNN, the majority leader's office conceded it made changes to the House bill that effectively took out the requirement for spouses and children to file these reports.

Cantor's spokesman maintains the change was inadvertent, but told CNN because of our reporting, they're now promising to remedy the problem.

"It was not the intention of the House to differ with the Senate-passed bill with respect to application to spouses and dependent children. We did not believe at the time that we had differed from what the Senate had done," spokesman Doug Heye told CNN.

Heye said after learning from CNN about the difference, they are now looking at ways to fix it.

"Since new information has been brought to our attention with respect to this discrepancy, we are reviewing our options regarding transaction reports in the House of Representatives."

Still, another question is why the House changed the legislation in the first place. A GOP leadership source insists there were no sinister motives, that Cantor and the broader GOP leadership made changes after consulting with Ethics Committee lawyers.

How they will correct it remains to be seen, but the GOP source says however it's done, it will be made clear spouses and children of House members and their top aides, as well as the executive branch all carry out the law the way Senate sponsors intended.

opinion July 19th, 2012 | 11:54pm

RAMPANT ONLINE CHEATING, BUT WHO CARES RIGHT?

"WELCOME TO UDACITY."

.WE HAVE NO WAY OF TRACKING THAT THE PEOPLE WHO TOOK OUR ONLINE CLASSES ACTUALLY EXIST...NOR DO WE KNOW IF THE STUDENTS CHEATED...WE DON'T CARE..." IT IS ALL IN THE NAME OF CAPITALISM...

(no quote: we want to screw higher education at all levels in the USA; because we can -- we can provide higher education to the world for $80 per testing season with a certificate; our intellectual intelligence value is of no value because we don't really care--we want to educate the masses; we do not have any criteria for entry just send us an email and you are in; we don't care if you cheat, have others take your tests; we don't care; what we care about is the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR; we don't care if your next door neighbor is paid to take the test and scores...we don't care...we don't care if there is an eye cam present without fault observing you taking our certified test...nothing matters except that you logged on and someone took the test; we don't care if it was in India -- the counterfeit solicitor nation for online email solicitations...we really don't care about integrity or tracking...just sign up and take out test at the end. We just don't care, this is America, where you get away with everything until you are caught and no one cares about this education issue...really?)

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Sebastian is super excited about democratizing higher education. At Stanford, he taught 200 students per class. He really wants to teach 200,000 students per class. Are you on board?
KATY REICHELT
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Annie is here to make Udacity look great & have a seamless User Experience. If it's pretty, Annie probably designed it. If it isn't she had absolutely nothing to do with it.
DAVID EVANS
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David Evans taught his first intro CS course ten years ago to a group of nine intrepid students, but hopes to have a few more than that in this course.
MIKE SOKOLSKY
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Mike believes that great education should be much easier to get than it is now. He is responsible for making sure that e-mail is delivered to everyone in the office.
IRVIN HWANG
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Irvin helps develop software at Udacity. He's worked on the front end, the back end, and occasionally the sides.
KATHLEEN MULLANEY
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Kathleen loves bossing professors around. An avid bike commuter, she aspires to beat Sebastian up the hill to the office one day.
MANSI PATEL
Office Manager

Mansi's goal is to make sure the office runs smoothly by ordering supplies for the office,taking care of filing and paperwork and also fulfiling her duty as an executive assistant for her boss.
ALVIN YATES
Software Engineer

Some say that he only has one lung, and that when he uses BART he actually rides on top of the train. All we know is that he's called Alvin.

Tig July 20th, 2012 | 1:12am

@Michael Z "When are people going to stand up and demand Dragas leave? Michael Z , did you click on the link Nancy Drew provided? That IS standing up. Hard to imagine the outcry has not been heard. I hear the outrage from all corners. Yet, somehow it's being ignored.
This article was all in good fun but maybe Mr. McNair is actually on the right path. Watch the Dragas Walk of Shame video (link Nancy Drew posted, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asP9nVV0_v8&feature=related) . The sentiments expressed were not subtle. The poll results regarding the rector's role that I've seen express similar feelings. I think maybe it's time for a new approach. On the Walk of Shame video a voice can be heard repeatedly asking why the rector had so many phone conversations with Paul Tudor Jones . Connecting the dots. Does this suggest PTJ is where our demand that Dragas leave needs to be directed? I know nothing about yoga but I read that followers telepathically communicate using OM. I say let's give it a try. What about we practice at home and see if we get through to PTJ. If the rector doesn't resign after a few days of our trying to telepathically send our demand from each of our homes we can all bring a yoga mat to our Thomas Jefferson statue and give it a go together. If you don't have a mat and can't borrow one I noticed the bookstore at the corner had (I think may even be UVA imprinted) yoga mats on the clearance table. Tons of OM mantra instructional info online. I found this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5T6VQcRub4&feature=related Let's try this. Say aloud, " We demand Dragas go." Then OM like the video. We can meet in front of TJ at a designated time and do this exercise for however long it takes.

Monetary value is based upon perception. Why do you think the stock market swings here and there -- it is based on perception. Today, it's the jobs report; tomorrow it's the Euro; Monday it will be instability of the euro; Tuesday, it will be the psychology of the "hmmmmm" let's toss a coin and decide. Wall Street is a gamble.

Educators have VALUE. Education has been founded on significant research, data, irreputable studies that nothing has dis-proven its value. Nothing. Educators are the key. When education comes to a stand still at all levels...that is when value will be determine. I say -- STRIKE. Strike on behalf of education, not benefits. Strike on behalf of my child's learning. Strike because education trumps all. Do not strike for pay raises or pensions, that deflates your arguments...that University Professor's intelligence has value. Strike because you understand the value of your intelligence and you want to pass it on. Once on the internet, your lectures lose value. You lose...

Money has swayed the masses and that is why we have today's debate.

My question is: if professors and their knowledge is gone; what is left? Absolutely nothing. It may take 2 - 5 years to prove but this hypo will be proven. Business, especially operating under the guise of "Strategic Dominionism" is about the now; not our future.

"Strategic Dominionism" is about immediate profits and to "heck with the rest of the 99 percent of America, at least I go mine - Jones' theory..." That system does not work for the majority. I hope University of Virginia recognizes gambling versus planning. I don't believe it.

although Virginian, Eric Candor displayed weakness today on CNN -- oops I didn't realize that the insider "Stock Act" meant my wife and kids...they really should be able to conduct stock exchanges on insider trading because I am who I am...right!????

care in this society. Money cares when it makes a profit. The profit off of today's university is on the backs of the intellectual property owned by the professors. Intellectual Property has influence. Money has no measure against the UVA Professor's intelligence. NONE.

Fight for your value or throw in the towel to the corporate mongers.

non-smoker July 20th, 2012 | 7:15am

The UVA community made Sullivan relevant, so they bought her! It's that simple folks. You really have no say. As for Dragas, she's just a puppet that has wedged herself a position. If she stops serving her masters they will throw her ass out dragging! LOL. This is not just a UVA problem. It's a national problem. Look at what happened in Penn State. We now all know there is no transparency and the people at the top think they are above the law. Yes above the LAW. This episode we all saw play out last June with the firing of Sullivan happened in front of our very eyes. Yet we are being told we didn't see anything. How many independent thinkers do we have amongst us in this Academic Village. Not many! As in Penn State with all the Paterno diehards, here at UVA we all want to believe in the ideals of Jefferson. Well, in the real world of UVA Jefferson has had no place for decades. It's all about personal gain. Ask Casteen, he found out in his early years that it had nothing to do with Education so he changes his ways really fast.

I'll say it again, Sullivan, has been bought. Use your eyes and ears and don't let the ridiculous UVA spin machine fool you. The stench on the grounds and in Charlottesville is as bad as it was in Penn State. Morally, ethically and financially totally bankrupt. They entire BoV and Administration has to be purged as this is like a cancer. Unfortunately it will take a Penn State like scandal to achieve this. The happenings last June were the tip of the iceberg.

After much thought and discussion with my friends, the fact that Dragas LIED to her fellow BOV members and President Sullivan is the crux of what is bothering me. She manipulated the board members and all they can come up with is a vague statement that they were not smart enough to figure out that they were all being set up. And, to add salt to the wound, they did not have the “b….” to call on Rector Dragas to apologize to President Sullivan, the BOV, Alumni, Faculty, Staff members and the University community for her actions AND to immediately submit her resignation. That’s ALL THEY HAD TO DO!
My neighbor called them whores and since I couldn’t top that description, I returned to mopping the floor, cleaning out the urinals and muttering to myself ……does the UVA BOV have no SHAME.

Reader July 21st, 2012 | 11:53pm

Why would anyone want to continue on with this stupidity...meaning the topic brought forth from the Hook...Jeepers Hood, get some perspective on the value of education and where funds have been diverted. Otherwise, pack it in. This is complete non-sense.

@Reader July 21st, 2012 | 11:53pm
You are absolutely correct! I should not have posted my thoughts under this particular topic. I did attempt to find a similar topic to but it would have been off topic as well.

I am so frustrated that when we call on our UVA students to sign an honor code pledge and then see a member of our BOV LIE straight up, it made my southern blood boil. I’ll watch where I post, in the future.

Well a golfer, swings a iron with a caddy both wearing metal cleats gets struck. Maybe with a diploma or winning lottery ticket in his or her back pocket.

Then the next stormy day a UVA rep goes out, wearing metal cleats, swinging a 9 iron with an umbrella. Gets stuck by lightning.

See, lighting strikes the those in denial! Once, twice, three times. Some call it just bad luck! I and many say it is the elitist attitude! May lighting strike, and no one, no one will have pity on the those with the high IQ but no common sense!

I work hard to present myself, misspelling words to lower my presentations to the people that read THE HOOK!

But, this is truth! Lighting is going to strike and kill you ignorant elites!

I am not threatening anyone, but karma is a bitch!

Hope Dragg Ass golfs! Do not be surprised if a house falls on her head, but Dr. Sullivan, do NOT wear her ruby slippers!

Just to let you in on a deep secret, there IS NO YELLOW BRICK ROAD!

There are people behind the curtain, no WIZARD!

Get courage, a heart and a brain!

1,000's and 1.000s of students are the little play things, my cutey!

You do not a crystal ball! Just give Dragg Ass a tee-time at Trumps golf course on a cloudy day!

readinghook July 24th, 2012 | 11:44pm

Dragas was to UVA as Paterno was to Penn State...unknowing failures to upper education. Good luck with that UVA. Dragas will haunt the University until President Sullivan resigns or retires. I hope Sullivan retires and the entire online fiasco is found a blunder just like history...no one wants to look at the elephant in the room - student debt. where is funding coming from? Student loans exceeded a TRILLION dollars. That is huge. Where are the students working that have amassed that trillion dollar mark in educational loans? They are cooking at the Outback Steakhouse and taking blood pressure at free health clinics.

Really, it's not so much that Dragas LIED as that she tried to pass off statements written by Hill & Knowlton as her own. She'll probably run for Governor of the Commonwealth before long. Evidently she was kept on the BoV -- and got there in the first place! ... because off the cash donations she infused into the political process. Letting other people do your thinking and write your statements is always tempting for a politician.

University World Ranking Report July 27th, 2012 | 2:33pm

The Times Higher Education: World University Ranking Report is out...UVA is ranked #135

Let me get this straight. The process is to write a BIG check to the governor and he thanks the contributor by appointing them to a board. Prior to taking office (IF APPROVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY), they are then required to take the following oath

“§ 49-1. Form of general oath required of officers.

Every person before entering upon the discharge of any function as an officer of this Commonwealth shall take and subscribe the following oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge all the duties incumbent upon me as .......... according to the best of my ability, (so help me God)."

That’s it? Nothing about honor and integrity.

As a former student, Dragas signed the UVA Honor Code Pledge twice, making a commitment to conduct herself with honor and integrity until proven otherwise. Obviously, that pledge didn’t carry over into her behavior as an adult. Apparently, the Virginia Commonwealth oath precedes the UVA Honor Code Pledge thus giving Dragas the opportunity of creating this mess under the guise of “serving the Commonwealth” AND then the governor appoints her AGAIN!